My Quest for Understanding and Taking Action

On behalf of my partners, team and agency, I want to take a moment to share with you what Bond Moroch is doing in its effort to be an organization that is anti-racist and an advocate of anti-racism.  I am writing this blog post to educate my white colleagues, friends and family on what is working for Bond and what actions we hope might make a difference in the future as an anti-racist agency. 

Personally, I have learned a great deal over the last two weeks, especially from my friends and colleagues who are Black.  I’ve had some very intense conversations that have opened my eyes – and heart.  What I have learned, at least as an individual, is that one should first educate themselves on the history of systemic racism in America and then use that knowledge to make a positive impact in the pursuit of equality, equity and inclusion.  I understand now, as a white man in America, I have benefited from a racist system designed to benefit me.  I no longer wish to be part of the problem, I want to be part of the solution.

The individual team members at Bond are on their own journeys as they process what’s happening in America right now.  Bond team members have educated themselves through the agency’s engagement with the Campaign for Equity New Orleans (CENO). Also, we are committed to being intentional about making our agency more diverse, ensuring that career opportunities are accessible to everyone in our community. It is a small start on a quest for knowledge and ways to act.

Bond and its team members have always strived to be community participants – volunteering, sitting on boards and committees, and providing services pro bono to organizations with a focus on helping people of color in our community.  In that vein, we are beyond excited Bond is building on its partnership with the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) by committing to being its communications and PR partner for the remainder of the year pro bono. 

YEP is an organization making a tremendous, positive impact on underserved young people through community-based education, mentoring, employment readiness and enrichment programs. In 2019, 94% of YEP’s participants were African American, 78% of YEP households live below the poverty line, and 23% of YEP participants were previously involved in the justice system.

Our journey and pursuit to create an anti-racist and more equitable community and world has just begun. We look forward to sharing our efforts. We hope you do the same.

Skipper Bond is a Partner at Bond Moroch.